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Royal Mail unveils selection of stamps featuring the flashiest armour ever owned by Britain’s best-known monarchs

Scroll down to read why you should never bin old stamps
Illustration of postage stamps featuring suits of armor and a sword.

THE ROYAL Mail unveils a selection of stamps fit for a King - showing off the flashiest armour ever owned by Britain’s best-known monarchs.

Eight stamps show stunning examples of armour from 1520 to 1686 owned by monarchs including King Henry VIII, King Charles I, King Charles II and King James II.

Postage stamp depicting gilt armour, c.1612, owned by Prince Henry and King Charles I.
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Royal Mail has unveiled stamps showing off the flashiest armour ever owned by Britain’s best-known monarchsCredit: PA
£1.00 postage stamp depicting King Henry VIII's horned helmet.
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The selection has been unveiled in collaboration with The Royal Armouries, pictured Henry VIII's bizarre helmetCredit: PA

They include Henry VIII’s horned helmet and the stunning gilt armour suit worn by King Charles I.

The selection has been unveiled in collaboration with The Royal Armouries.

Four other designs showcase jaw-dropping treasures from the museum’s stash, with influences spanning the UK, Europe, and Asia.

The Royal Armouries, Britain’s oldest museum, boasts the largest collection of armour in the world.

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Last summer, Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert (MSE) issued a warning over old stamps before households decide to bin them.

Royal Mail started replacing all current stamps with new style designs last year.

If you continue to use old stamps, you could face a surcharge in the same way that you would if you sent mail with no or insufficient postage.

The only valid designs are those with barcodes on them, featuring King Charles' image.

Alternatively, you can swap your old ones for barcoded versions for free through the Royal Mail scheme.

The team at MSE recently tweeted: "Got old stamps lying around? Don't bin 'em.

"MSE's Helen's just found £8.10 worth of non-barcoded stamps in an old purse, and luckily Royal Mail's FREE 'Swap Out' scheme is still open."

eBay Parcel Surprise: Rare Stamps Galore!
Postage stamp depicting a European sword from c. 1365-1432.
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This stamp shows a medieval swordCredit: PA
Postage stamp depicting Alexander armour, 1607-08, owned by Prince Henry and King Charles I.
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This stamp features golden armour belonging to King Charles I, who was executed after the English Civil WarCredit: PA
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